Fresh Wind Week 5 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: Search for God’s fresh breath of life, the Ruach, to fill your sails.
Introduction: Fighting the flesh is a battle that everyone has; even Paul describes his personal frustrations with this war in Romans 7. This weekend, Pastor Chris discusses the crosswinds that steer us: the Ruach (the breath of God) and the forces of the flesh. Which one we let fill our sails determines our trajectory. We are challenged to consider which is more of a driving force in our lives and decision-making. Sometimes it is easy to do what the flesh considers appropriate because it is almost natural. We must be intentional with our thoughts and actions so we don’t allow the wrong wind to guide our ship.
Discussion Starter: Think about your day-to-day life. Are you more influenced by what your friends, family, and/or the culture around you do? Or are you more focused on each action being a resemblance of Jesus?
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Ephesians 3:16-20, Ephesians 5:18-20, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 1 Corinthians 3:12-16, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Discussion Questions:
- Read Ephesians 3:16-20 What can we learn from Paul’s prayer about being filled with the spirit? This is different from being filled with the Spirit when you first accept the Lord as your savior. This is strengthening the spirit on the inside.
- Read Ephesians 5:18-20 From these verses, what actions go along with being filled by the Holy Spirit?
- In 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 What comparison is made between those who are guided by the wind of the flesh vs those who are guided by the Spirit?
- 1 Corinthians 3:12-16 is deep. What do we know about ourselves as Christians by reading these verses?
- In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, what do we learn about God and what actions we can take to help us on our journey?
Discovery Bible Method: For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Corinthians 3:12-16 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Discuss strategies that ensure you are intentionally being driven by the Spirit and not the flesh.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: As students head back to school, this is a constant battlefield for them to face. The peer pressure of following the “cool crowd” or their friends instead of the Spirit is especially difficult at this age. Take time to pray for our students every day this week.
Engaging in Our Community and the World: This battle between the flesh and Spirit is present everywhere. Many professionals in America are asked to minimize their spiritual beliefs at work. Additionally, there are places all over the world where you can be physically harmed or killed for not following the ideals of that culture. Take time to pray for strength and protection for all who face this extra layer of challenge in the daily battle.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Strategically look for individuals who are going against the stream in your daily world. These people could identify as Christians or not. Encourage them. Pray that God gives you the words, wisdom, and courage to have a conversation about how Jesus did not bow to the pressures of the world.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
